The Boothbay Community Rides program provides more than transportation for residents it supports in the Boothbay region. For many, it provides them with an opportunity to remain in their homes. The program matches residents who lack transportation with a volunteer who drives them to the supermarket, drug store, doctor's appointments, or an errand. Without the luxury of reliable transportation, many may not be able to remain living alone in their homes.

BCR rides can last as long as a few miles to Hannaford's or a couple hours in length to Portland or Waterville for medical appointments. Joan Stark, 87, has lived in her Boothbay home since 1970. Stark and her husband moved here to raise their family. She now lives alone, and is partially blind. Stark appreciates the program and a “special” volunteer who provides her with transportation each Wednesday morning. 

"This has allowed me to stay in my home. I'm so grateful for this program. It means so much to me," Stark said. She is one of many peninsula residents who use the Community Resource Council program called Boothbay Community Rides. 

BCR is one of seven Community Resource Council programs providing transportation assistance. Prospective clients may seek a ride appointment by calling the CRC (207-633-6272) Monday through Friday. The caller needs to provide a minimum of 48-hour notice along with travel details.  

Ashlea Tibbetts is the new Community Resource Council administrative assistant responsible for scheduling rides. Once she receives a request, she begins seeking out a possible driver and rider match. 

But Stark rarely, if ever, calls. In 2022, she was introduced to the program by Community Navigator Hannah Corkum, who had assisted her in receiving other CRC services. Stark had bypassed seeking CRC benefits for a long spell prior to Corkum's contacting her. Stark stopped because she didn't like calling each week for an appointment. 

She preferred having the same person drive her at the same time each week. It wasn't long before a new CRC volunteer became Stark's driver. Byron Cortez moved to East Boothbay in 2021. He has volunteered for various non-profit organizations including American Red Cross, has taught English as a Second Language, and worked in various food pantries.

Once he arrived in East Boothbay, Cortez became a CRC volunteer in the Boothbay Community Rides and Food for Thought programs. He eventually became a CRC board member. Cortez and his husband, Elliot Schwartz, were immediately taken by the region's generosity and concern for others. "We were so happy to land here because of so many great people. It didn't take long for us to understand what a great community this is and want to become more involved," he said.

Corkum approached Cortez about providing Stark with rides each Wednesday morning. He agreed.

Cortez typically takes her shopping around 11 a.m. on Wednesday and takes her to other destinations based on her needs. It didn't take long for Cortez and Stark to develop a strong rapport. The two have similar interests such as food, literature and travel.

Prior to moving to Maine, Stark lived in the West Indies working towards becoming a writer or journalist. Cortez worked in the American Virgin Islands prior to Maine.

Cortez enjoys his volunteer work and making a difference for people.

"She is a wonderful lady. I enjoy her very much," he said. "This is a wonderful program and the best thing about this is it helps people stay in their home which is great."

Most Wednesday trips either begin just after 11 a.m. or a little later.  "Byron is wonderful, but he is not always punctual. That's OK.  It may be more like noon or after, but I know he's coming," she said. 

For Stark, the wait is worth it. Cortez picks her up and the two make a 15-minute trip to Hannaford. Once they arrive, it takes her less than 20 minutes to shop. "I have all the sections memorized and I know exactly what I want. I do need some help which is where Byron helps," she said. "He can read the labels, and picks out the best price."

Cortez noticed Stark often purchased banana bread. Cooking and baking are his hobbies, so he made her banana bread. A few weeks later, Stark asked him to bake her gingerbread. "I wasn't really sure what gingerbread was," he said. "So I searched for recipes and eventually baked some for her."

It seems Cortez is a pretty quick study because according to Stark, "The gingerbread was wonderful and rivaled his banana bread." 

Boothbay Community Rides has 14 drivers who receive a gift card for their volunteer work and compensate for their gas. Cortez said more volunteer drivers would be appreciated by the organization.